Prevent Summer slide - get your children reading
Tue, 06/10/2025 - 12:50pm
admin
By:
Lacey Schwien, Willow Springs Public Library Director
A study called "Summer Learning and the Effects of Schooling" by Barbara Heyns found that "children who did not read at all over the summer experienced a loss of reading skills equivalent to as much as an entire grade level." And that "children who read at least six books during the summer either maintained or improved their reading skills—and this was true for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status."
Local libraries are about to launch their summer reading programs. And they are a great way to keep kids engaged in learning. It's also important for adults to model reading. Let children see you enjoying a good book. Read aloud at the river. Take them to the library. Get them their own library card. It's an investment in their future success.
Willow Springs Public Library is excited to offer two ways to motivate kids to read read read all summer. First, in partnership with McDonald's, the library is holding the Happy McReaders program now through September. Pick up your punch card at the library and read for free Happy Meals! Second, plan to attend our 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World. We'll explore how the Arts bring color and expression and outlets for creativity into the world. Story and Activity times will be on Tuesdays, June 17 through July 22. Ages 3 to 6, 10:30-11:00am. Ages 7-12, 11:00am - 12:00. The reading contest begins on June 17.
SCHEDULE
June 17-Eat the Rainbow - with Family Nutritionist Mia Harris from the University of Missouri
June 24-The Colors of Music - with Becky Cash from the Willow Springs Arts Council
June 25-Teen Event: Tie-Dye Funky Socks (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
July 1-Drawing & Painting - Paint Like Mike (Michelangelo)
July 8-Sculpting Polymer Clay with local junior artist Elise Schwien
July 8-Teen Event: Photo Scavenger Hunt & Pizza (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
July 15-Textile Arts - Hands-on Workshop
July 22-Dance! Clogging at Cornerstone Dance Studio (ages 7-12, 11:00 a.m.; teens 1:00 p.m.)
To register, stop by the library or visit our Events page online at willowspringslibrary.org. This summer, keep the slides at the playground and pool, but not in reading.